FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Contact Ann Hill, Executive Assistant
P.O. Box 13321, Lexington, KY 40583-3321
Voice: 859-221-6238
Minnesota Horse Council announced the selection of Guy Warner as 2008 Horse Person of the Year
Lexington, Kentucky - The Minnesota Horse Council announced the selection of Guy Warner as 2008 Horse Person of the Year at their Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet on Saturday, January 17, 2009.
The award is presented each year to someone who shows long-term service and commitment to the equine industry in the Midwest. Numerous letters were submitted to the committee regarding Warner’s professionalism, history of many hours of volunteering, generosity, kindness, knowledge, talents, leadership and dedication to the horse world. Warner is the 39th recipient of this award. Previous recipients from the Saddlebred and Morgan industry include Keith Bartz (father of Cary Bartz), Ernie Wood (father of Jay Wood, Wife of VeeAnn Wood), Dr. Bill Sweeney, Judy Jensen, Ev Speltz, Verlan Balfanz, Ed Anderson, as well as winners from several other breeds and disciplines.
Quoting from one of the letters received from a supporter of our nominee,
"In this day of declining standards, Guy stands for the human (and Minnesota!) ethics of hard work and integrity, not to mention total fairness in his every enterprise. It is always such a pleasure to turn to Guy for advice and counsel, knowing with confidence that he will steer us in the proper direction, always meticulous and careful and honest. I wish that I could say that about a great many more people than I can; Guy is at the top of all those attribute-lists." (from Alan F. Balch, Executive Secretary, American Saddlebred Horse Association, and President, USA Equestrian Trust.)
Guy Warner has put in over 40 years of service - both equine related and community related. He served 10 years in the Minnesota National Guard with final rank of Sergeant First Class, specializing in the Field of Artillery. He has served as past President of North Central Morgan Horse Association (NCMA), and as a horse show committee member for 3 years. He has served as past President of Tri-State Horsemen's Association, and is still actively involved with them today. Guy Warner has been both a board member and Officer of American Horse Shows Association (AHSA) - serving as chairman of the Relocation Task Force of the AHSA offices move from New York, NY to Lexington, KY. He has also served as chairman and member of the National Nominating Committee of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). Most recently, he served on the Audit Committee of the USEF, and is Treasurer of USA Equestrian Trust. Currently, he is a member of the Minnesota State Fair Foundation, serving as Vice-Chair and Chairman of the Audit Committee. In non-horse related activities, he is Chairman of the Board of Directors for Warner Manufacturing Company as well as President of the American Cutlery Manufacturers Association. He is also co-founder and President of the St. Bonifacius/Minnetrista Crime Fund.
You may know Guy Warner best as the announcer at the Minnesota State Fair as well as other Midwest shows, including the prestigious St. Louis Charity Show. He always tries to educate the audience as to the inner workings of the mysterious world of horse shows with tidbits of information. He has also served as emcee for many award banquets as well, and always entertains with his spontaneous humor.
Guy Warner has been married to wife Pauline for 44 years and has helped raise 3 wonderful children - Carrie (husband Barry), Cathy (husband Mike) and Craig (wife Cindy). He currently has five precious grandchildren. Guy has been an owner, an exhibitor, and an enthusiastic supporter of family training, showing and winning on a National basis, taking his own Morgan horses to top National as well as local titles. He and his wife have owned some top Saddlebreds, mostly recently, CH Forever Aptor, that their daughters have shown.